Do-It-Yourself projects have become so common in recent years that there are literally DIY projects for anything and everything under the sun. On the one hand, this is great because it empowers individuals to plan and finish personal projects, whether it is sewing a dress, making an armchair, cooking a gourmet meal, or renovating an entire floor of one’s house. The danger, however, is that it gives individuals the idea that they can do anything, as long as they put their minds to it, even if they probably shouldn’t.
Electrical work is one such area that should not be attempted by DIYers simply because it is technical work that requires years of experience to execute correctly. And because it is inherently dangerous work, mistakes can be potentially dangerous, even lethal. Even if you follow an instructional material to the letter, it is no guarantee that what you are doing is correct. Electricians take into consideration so many different factors in the line of their work that no single instructional manual will ever be generally true and correct. Many DIYers realize this themselves, and they call in electricians once they realize that they have gotten in way over their head. And they would be the lucky ones.
Still not convinced that electrical work should be left to the professionals? Here are some of the dangers of DIY electrical work that should serve as fair warning to all:
- Electricity is potentially deadly
It takes electricians years to hone their skills, and they are expected to constantly upgrade their skills and their knowledge of industry developments and new technology. DIY projects are often done within a brief period, and even with proper planning can fail to take into consideration so many different factors that would otherwise automatically raise red flags in electrical code standards, but which an average DIYer would not even notice. The result? Potential danger lurking in the corners of your home or area, because of improper wiring, faulty installation, or dangerous placements of electrical equipment and lack of safety precautions and safeguards.
We have gotten so used to the presence of electricity in our lives that we sometimes forget how powerful it is as an energy source, and how dangerous. Electricity can cause property damage due to fire, possible electrocution, burns, and even death if mishandled. This is why states regulate the practice of electrical work as exclusive to electricians, and publicly promoting electrical DIY projects is both irresponsible and hazardous.
- You Need to Adhere to Building and Safety Codes
Building and safety codes regulate the installation, design, and maintenance of electrical systems and electrical equipment to ensure public safety against electrical hazards. Electrical work should comply with these codes to pass the muster of legal safety inspections, and this is not something that can be covered by simple DIY instructions. Electricians, on the other hand, make it a point to stay updated with the periodic revisions to the National Electric Code, the different nuances of its numerous provisions, to be able to adhere to code and pass muster.
Aside from the danger that comes from a building not being up to code and its electrical system being potentially hazardous, there is also the more practical reason for being code-compliant. A commercial or industrial building will need to pass period electrical inspections to be able to operate legally as a business. And residential dwellings, before they can be sold, must also be code-compliant. Of course, an electrician can always step in later to make everything compliant, but most electricians will tell you that this often requires overhauling an entire electrical system and redoing everything. This will be a lot more expensive in the long run. Save yourself the trouble by passing on the DIY challenge and simply calling on an electrician to provide the service that only they are qualified to provide.
Professional electricians at www.electriciancolumbusohio.com can help you with all your electrical installation & repair needs.
